WYRE Forest swimming stars Claire Cashmore and Fran O’Connor kicked-off the new season with some strong performances at the Disability Sport England National Short Course Championships in Sheffield.

While the duo are both focusing their efforts building up their speed for a season which culminates in the IPC European Disability Swimming Championships in Berlin in July 2011, they came away with an impressive array of medals.

Cashmore, 22, won two individual gold medals and relay gold as well a bronze representing the West Midlands.

O’Connor, 19, enjoyed a successful time in the tournament, clinching individual gold and two silver medals representing Wales.

She also won relay gold and silver medals in two titanic races, which also involved the London region and West Midlands team in very tight finishes.